Star kayaker to carry Canadian flag in Beijing

OTTAWA, July 23 (Xinhua) -- Star kayaker Adam van Koeverden will serve as Canada's flag bearer for the 2008 Beijing Games, the Canadian Olympic Committee announced Wednesday.

The 26-year-old, who won gold and bronze medals in flat water kayaking at the 2004 Athens Games, is one of Canada's top medal hopefuls in Beijing.

He also had the honor of carrying the flag at the closing ceremony for the 2004 Summer Games.

The 2008 Canadian Olympic Team is anticipated to number 330 athletes, including nine returning medallists from Athens 2004 and at least five full "team" sports.